Where are young Vermonters going? Besides Rhode Island, Vermont is the only state to have lost population in the 2010 census.

Our cost of living is relatively high and wages are getting worse. This is not just for youth from our poorest families. See those college grads with children working at restaurants? Indeed, the minimum wage is only adequate for a person living with parents — or maybe an abusive partner. It is time for a substantial increase in the minimum wage.

Gov. Shumlin sees his job as protecting the richest 1 percent from any tax changes. He does favor an 11-cent tax increase on home heating fuel. We know who will suffer most from this proposal.

The earned income tax credit is the main assistance for low-wage families. This gets them closer to a livable wage. The governor has targeted this tax credit for a major cut.

If you would like young people and families to be better able to become independent in Vermont, tell your representative and senators to resist Gov. Shumlin’s miserly budget. There is available wealth to tax which would not impact the average person.